[D12, LA, Open] The Betting Hall, D2

[Kasuga Izumi]

"She has been a busy little bee, hasn't she?" Izumi remarks. "I can see why she was sent here."

[Agasha Yuna]

"Oh yes! The art event - unity in diversity - each clan preparing art that honored another - that was so beautifully organized. I quite enjoyed the chance to honor the Scorpion, and I so appreciated that Soshi-san helped me refine my calligraphy. A better quote. It really reinforced precisely the lesson that we achieve the most when we work together and seek to understand each other's perspectives."

"And was Yasuki-san the mastermind behind the beautiful display that the Crab did for the Phoenix? I quite enjoyed learning the story of Ho-oh, The Phoenix, and I liked the image of the Gardener - the restoration of beauty and purpose after hard times. A focus on sharing knowledge in generosity and kindness, and how sharing wisdom helps others to grow and bloom. So inspiring! You told it well."

[Kuni Shiori]

"The Yasuki have sent their best in Yasuki Masaki, I can say that for certain. There are days where she felt bogged down but I suspect that she still operates like a hummingbird if she needs to," she chuckled with a few sure nods. "Thank you, Agasha-sama. I can say that was indeed her idea. I think initially, we had the thought to each make a separate piece but she thought it would be better to combine our efforts into something more unified. Her ability to manage many things at once shouldn't be overlooked."

Now that she thought about it, she did wonder if she was a hummingbird in a previous life.

[Fukurokujin]

A messenger arrives, and the boards are soon updated with the final results.

[Agasha Sanjuro]

Sanjuro is slightly embarrassed by the compliment, and replies shyly, "Thank you. My wife says so, too. I look forward to seeing her soon after this court has ended."

He engages in the conversation.

He returns Yuna's nod and raises his cup to them all.

"Kuni-san, congratulations and blessings on your betrothal. Speak well, listen better, and live with Compassion and your relationship will grow as the Heavens intend."

"The art festival was amazing, and yes, Yasuki-san has been everywhere this court, bringing her artistic ability to every corner. It is a privilege to witness it."

Sanjuro notices a small cat who has entered and is weaving its way amongst the patrons. He reaches down to stroke it. AS he resumes to standing, he notices some message came in and wonders if it the results.

[Agasha Sanjuro]

Whoa! Hiruma-san came in first! Sanjuro's bet is made good. He is glad he did not bet more and is able to enjoy the experience.

He looked to see how the others fared in order to congratulate or console them.

[Kuni Shiori]

Shiori bowed politely when Sanjuro joined them. "Thank you for the well-wishes and good advice, Agasha-sama. I shall take those words of wisdom in my future marriage."

When Daichi was declared the top-scoring archer, she nodded in approval. There wasn't any money put into this but she was sure that her delegation member was likely proud of himself.

[Kasuga Izumi]

Bets are paid, and Izumi's purse is considerably heavier now than when she walked in.

"So," she says, "any bets on tomorrow's performance? Thoughts for who advances to the finals? Coin to lay on it--or something else more daring?"

[Kuni Shiori]

Shiori raised a brow at that. "What sort of wagers have Kasuga-sama done in the past?"

[Kasuga Izumi]

"Oh, all kinds of things," Izumi replies, her smile showing teeth. "Goods get wagered. Services."

She winks.

"Sometimes, it's just who picks up the next round of drinks."

[Shiba Ryushi]

Shiba Ryushi stood on the sidelines watching. He had the skill, but the cut was just above what he had performed.

//PM or Quote if approached

[Kuni Shiori]

"Oh, all kinds of things," Izumi replies, her smile showing teeth. "Goods get wagered. Services."

She winks.

"Sometimes, it's just who picks up the next round of drinks."

"Are we talking about trade goods?" She brought up curiously. "I'm afraid that I can't do much in goods, as my delegation is handling most of the trades here. They likely won't appreciate if I fuss with their stock numbers too much without discussion beforehand, especially if they have some trades already set in motion that are to be presented in court."

"If we're talking about something I can provide personally, I think I'll be willing to wager something like that with a bet on Hiruma Daichi-sama."

[Kasuga Izumi]

"Are we talking about trade goods?" She brought up curiously. "I'm afraid that I can't do much in goods, as my delegation is handling most of the trades here. They likely won't appreciate if I fuss with their stock numbers too much without discussion beforehand, especially if they have some trades already set in motion that are to be presented in court."

"If we're talking about something I can provide personally, I think I'll be willing to wager something like that with a bet on Hiruma Daichi-sama."

"Oh, no, nothing that would affect your delegation as a whole," Izumi says. "But personal goods, of course, as well as personal services are wagerable. Basically, anything that you think you could afford to lose."

Shiba Ryushi stood on the sidelines watching. He had the skill, but the cut was just above what he had performed.

//PM or Quote if approached

"Shiba-san, join us! It's late for betting on today, but tomorrow--ah, tomorrow beckons!"

[Kuni Shiori]

"Oh, no, nothing that would affect your delegation as a whole," Izumi says. "But personal goods, of course, as well as personal services are wagerable. Basically, anything that you think you could afford to lose."

Shiori was rather equally amused and bemused by the proposal. It didn't hurt to try something new, right? "I just wanted to get a good idea of what you were thinking, Kasuga-sama. In that case, I could offer my services as a shugenja...I don't know what sort of boon I could provide you in the short term. Perhaps I could provide a duty with my skills on something you wish to have done? Such as my ability to speak or my knowledge? Nothing in the realm of breaking obligation to our Clan, of course."

[Kasuga Izumi]

Shiori was rather equally amused and bemused by the proposal. It didn't hurt to try something new, right? "I just wanted to get a good idea of what you were thinking, Kasuga-sama. In that case, I could offer my services as a shugenja...I don't know what sort of boon I could provide you in the short term. Perhaps I could provide a duty with my skills on something you wish to have done? Such as my ability to speak or my knowledge? Nothing in the realm of breaking obligation to our Clan, of course."

"There's a time-honored tradition of trading favors," Izumi says. "So that's a possibility, certainly."

[Kuni Shiori]

"There's a time-honored tradition of trading favors," Izumi says. "So that's a possibility, certainly."

"It will be less of a possibility and more of a reality. Let's settle on just that, Kasuga-sama, a favour," she nodded soundly. "We are in agreement on this bet, then?"

[Agasha Sanjuro]

Sanjuro also places 1 koku on the counter. "For Daichi-sama to advance tomorrow."

He sees Shiba Ryushi off to the side and hears the invitation from Kasuga Izumi.

"Good to see you Shiba-san."

[Kasuga Izumi]

"Done and done," Izumi says.

[Shiba Ryushi]

" I am here to watch and listen to the comments that others had to say." He replied to the Kasuga.